The drama around this year’s Asia Cup appears to be reaching its conclusion. According to the latest reports, the tournament is set to be held in the UAE with India being the technical hosts. While an official announcement is awaited, that seems to be just a formality at this point.

UAE has previously helped out as a neutral venue for the 2021 T20 World Cup and multiple IPL seasons, so this is set to be another chapter to the growing bond between ECB and BCCI. Apart from the update on the venue, another major news is the increasing probability of the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash which could be on the roster. It is, however, pending the clearance of the Government of India, with a meeting set to happen between the Government and BCCI’s top brass in the near future.

Since the Pahalgam attack in April 2025, India had suspended all activities with Pakistan, which also put future sports games including cricket into doubt. In the ongoing World Championship of Legends, the India-Pakistan match was scheduled but cancelled on match day after multiple Indian players backed out of the clash on the eve of the game.

“The BCCI will host the Asia Cup in the UAE. India is likely to play all its matches in Dubai. There are still deliberations on scheduling,” an ACC source told PTI on Thursday (July 24).

Meanwhile, the BCCI is understandably tight-lipped about the current scenario as there are a lot of delicate sub-plots to the main topic. However, a confirmation is expected later this week.

“Our vice-president Rajeev Shukla ji attended the ACC meeting. He will brief the members. I don’t believe in speculations so you will get to know officially in a few days time,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI.

PCB boss and ACC chair Mohsin Naqvi also chose to keep the cards close to his chest and wasn’t keen on spilling the beans just yet. He also clarified that there are some matters that need sorting out.

“We will announce it shortly. We have had discussions with the BCCI and there are a few issues that we will resolve shortly. All 25 members attended the meet either physically or virtually. We are all on same page,” Naqvi told reporters.

With the T20 World Cup scheduled in early 2026, the 2025 edition of the Asia Cup will be held in the shortest format as the Asian sides mark out their strategies for the ICC event.